| biophile | <biochemistry, chemistry> A chemical element which occurs naturally in living organisms or organic matter, such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. (21 Mar 1998) |
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| biophilia | The instinct of self-preservation. Origin: bio-+ G. Philia, love, fondness for (05 Mar 2000) |
| biophor biophore | <biology> One of the smaller vital units of a cell, the bearer of vitality and heredity. See Pangen, in Supplement. Origin: Gr. Life + bearing, fr. To bear. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| biophotometer | An obsolete instrument once used for measuring the rate and degree of dark adaptation, as in vitamin A deficiency. Compare: adaptometer. (05 Mar 2000) |
| biophylactic | Relating to biophylaxis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| biophylaxis | Non-specific defense reactions of the body, e.g., phagocytosis, vascular and other reactions of inflammatory processes. Origin: bio-+ G. Phylaxis, protection (05 Mar 2000) |
| biophysical profile | <radiology> Parameters (30 minute observation period): reactive NST, foetal breathing movement: breathing period at least 60 seconds, foetal body movement, greater than 3 discrete movements of limbs/trunk, foetal tone: upper and lower limbs usually flexed with head on chest, greater than 1 episode of extension with return to flexion, amniotic fluid volume: largest pocket greater than 1 cm in vertical diameter without containing loops of cord score: 2 points if normal; 0 points for abnormal results: 8-10 = maximal score, 0-4 = severe foetal compromise; delivery indicated, 33% sensitivity; 17% positive predictive value (12 Dec 1998) |
| biophysics | <study> The scientific study of the physics of organisms and biological structure and processes. (21 Mar 1998) |
| bioplasm | <biology> A suggested name for the germinal matter supposed to be essential to the functions of all living beings; the material through which every form of life manifests itself; unaltered protoplasm. Origin: Gr. Life + form, mold, fr. To mold. (21 Mar 1998) |
| bioplasmic | Pertaining to, or consisting of, bioplasm. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| bioplast | <biology> A mass of live protoplasm which is functionally independent of other living things. An amebic cell. (21 Mar 1998) |
| bioplastic | <biology> Bioplasmic. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| biopolymer | <biochemistry, chemistry> Any macromolecule which can be found within a living thing, such as proteins (essentially long chains of amino acids), nucleic acids (such as DNA or RNA), and polysaccharides (long chains of simple sugars). (21 Mar 1998) |
| biopotency | <pharmacology> The strength of a chemical substance on the body, how well or how far it can act on a biological system. (21 Mar 1998) |
| biopotential | <biochemistry, physiology> The amount of energy in biologic matter available to transform into kinetic energy (the type of energy which is seen during activity), before this energy is actually manifested by an organism. (21 Mar 1998) |